Stuffed Cabbage Recipe: Welcome to my culinary corner, where I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite comfort food recipes with you today: stuffed cabbage! This dish is a staple in many households, offering a savory, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Stuffed cabbage is a hearty and wholesome dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned meat and rice, then slowly simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Why This Recipe Is Great
Stuffed cabbage is a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comforting, home-cooked meal that warms the soul. Plus, the recipe can be easily adjusted to accommodate various dietary restrictions, making it suitable for vegetarians and those following gluten-free or low-carb diets.
This recipe is also budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and freeze leftovers for future meals. The flavors improve over time, so your future self will thank you!
Ingredients(Stuffed Cabbage Recipe)
For the stuffed cabbage:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (use brown rice for a healthier twist)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Directions(Stuffed Cabbage Recipe)
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully remove the cabbage leaves from the head. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes or until they become pliable. Remove the leaves and let them cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the cabbage rolls: Take one cabbage leaf and spoon a portion of the filling onto the center. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the stuffed cabbage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, layer the cabbage rolls and pour the sauce over them. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of your favorite vegetables or crusty bread.
Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
For The Stuffed Cabbage:
- 1 Large Head Of Cabbage
- 1 Pound Ground Beef Or Ground Turkey For A Leaner Option
- 1 Cup Cooked Rice Use Brown Rice For A Healthier Twist
- 1 Small Onion Finely Chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Egg Beaten
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
For The Sauce:
- 1 Can 14.5 Oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 Cup Beef Or Vegetable Broth
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully remove the cabbage leaves from the head. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes or until they become pliable. Remove the leaves and let them cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the cabbage rolls: Take one cabbage leaf and spoon a portion of the filling onto the center. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the stuffed cabbage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, layer the cabbage rolls and pour the sauce over them. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of your favorite vegetables or crusty bread.
Notes
- Calories: 300-350 calories
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fiber: 3-5 grams
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Tongs for handling cabbage leaves
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Notes and Tips
- Meal prep: You can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground meat for a plant-based protein such as lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute.
- Low-carb version: Use riced cauliflower instead of cooked rice in the filling for a low-carb twist.
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FAQ(Stuffed Cabbage Recipe)
What types of meat can I use for Stuffed Cabbage Recipe? You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey in your Stuffed Cabbage Recipe. Mixing different meats can also enhance the flavor for a more complex taste.
2. How do I store leftover Stuffed Cabbage Recipe? Leftover Stuffed Cabbage Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make a vegetarian version of Stuffed Cabbage Recipe? Yes, you can replace the ground meat with plant-based proteins like lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute to create a vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Recipe.
4. What are good side dishes to serve with Stuffed Cabbage Recipe? Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread pair wonderfully with Stuffed Cabbage Recipe, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
5. How can I make Stuffed Cabbage Recipe gluten-free? To make your Stuffed Cabbage Recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free rice or grain as a substitute for the traditional rice in the filling.
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